After rejoining the New England Patriots, veteran tight end Martellus Bennett criticized his former team, the Green Bay Packers, for claiming that they were unaware of the severity of his shoulder injury. In an Instagram Story post, Bennett ranted about the Packers' claim, saying he was medically cleared by the organization before signing a three-year, $21-million deal, including a $6.3 million signing bonus, in March. Bennett added that the Packers released him after he decided to undergo surgery on his injured shoulder.
Bennett said he’s transparent about injury
In his post, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network Insider, Bennett claimed that he was transparent with the team about the injury, which got worse as the season progressed. According to Bennett, a team doctor wanted him to play through the injury. When he got recommendations from three other doctors that he opt for surgery, the Packers immediately cut him. Earlier this week, the Packers waived Bennett for allegedly failing to disclose a medical condition. “They have access to all my medical records," Bennett wrote. "My shoulder wasn't where it is now at the beginning of the season."
Rapoport said that Bennett is dealing with a torn rotator cuff. According to Rapoport, it was unclear when Bennett suffered the injury, if it was before, during, or after training camp.
The Packers may go after some of Bennett’s signing bonus money due to his alleged failure to disclose his injury. Packers head coach Mike McCarthy declined to comment about Bennett’s Instagram rant and his move to the Patriots. However, McCarthy reiterated his earlier statement about Bennett’s release, saying it was due to his failure to inform the team about his injury.
Bennett’s future with Patriots unclear
The 30-year-old Bennett failed to create impact with the Packers, tallying just 24 catches for 233 yards and no touchdowns in seven games. He joined the Packers after winning a Super Bowl with the Patriots last season, where he caught 55 passes for 701 yards and a career-high seven touchdowns.
While he chose to undergo surgery, Bennett is willing to play for the Patriots, despite his shoulder problem. He passed his physical Friday (Nov. 10) and practiced with the team, according to Rapoport. Bennett is questionable for Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. Bennett was taken by the Dallas Cowboys as the 61st overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. In his nine-year stint in the NFL, Bennett caught 427 passes for 4,520 yards and 30 touchdowns in 142 games.
